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Secretary of Defense

Travels With Panetta
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta

September 2012

Japan

China

New Zealand

Top Stories

Secretary Honors Past, Present
New Zealand Troops

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta placed a wreath in memory of New Zealand’s fallen and pinned U.S. medals on five Kiwi Afghanistan veterans during a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Story

Panetta Eases Restrictions on
New Zealand Ship Visits

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced that he has eased the restrictions on New Zealand navy ship visits to Defense Department and Coast Guard facilities in the United States and around the world. Story

Afghanistan Surge Drawdown Complete, Panetta Says

The drawdown of U.S. surge forces in Afghanistan is complete as scheduled, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced in Aukland, New Zealand. Story

Panetta Arrives in New Zealand,
Final Stop on Regional Tour

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, the last leg of an Asian-Pacific tour that has also taken him to Japan and China. While there, Panetta will meet with senior leaders to discuss strategic defense partnership opportunities between the two countries. Story

Secretary Visits Chinese Navy
Fleet, Tours Vessels

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta visited the headquarters of one of China's three naval fleets and toured a Chinese frigate and a submarine during his final stop in China before flying to New Zealand. Story

Panetta Calls Beijing Meetings 'Substantive, Productive'

Visiting China at what he called a "very important moment" for the U.S.-China relationship, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said yesterday his meetings with key Chinese leaders here have been both substantive and productive. Story

Panetta Takes Questions From Chinese Cadets

Two very different military traditions briefly converged here yesterday when Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, following a speech at the People's Liberation Army's Armored Forces Engineering Academy, opened the floor to questions from cadets and officers in the audience. Story

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Photo Essay

Panetta Concludes New Zealand Visit

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Video

Panetta Calls for Constructive Relationship Between U.S., China.

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Travel Locations

Japan, China, New Zealand

About the Secretary

Leon Edward Panetta was sworn in as the 23rd defense secretary on July 1, 2011. In the course of his duties, the secretary will travel throughout the world visiting U.S. military forces in deployed locations and meeting with defense counterparts in allied and partner nations. Biography

Speeches & Transcripts